Royal Canadian Legions all over the country are mourning the passing of the last of our revered World and Korean War veterans. Most Legions are grappling with the difficult task of maintaining an institution that many no longer see as relevant.

Wayne Piercey, president of the Shelburne Legion, Branch 220, feels there needs to be more support for our troops in the media and in all branches of the government. "It is shameful", he says "That flags fly at half mast for the death of M.P.'s, yet not our soldiers."

But, as Canada continues to send forces into the nightmare that is Afghanistan, Legions are beginning to see a small climb in membership as Canadians are compelled to show support for their troops.

The Shelburne Legion continues promotional programs to foster public awareness. Literature is mailed out, and there is a "doors open" policy to anyone wishing to visit the museum of artifacts, recently valued at over $30,000.

"It is difficult for our fragile veterans to bring their stories to the children now" Mr. Piercey said.

This year, at Remembrance Day time, Sergeant Chuck Turcotte of Camp Borden visited with students from both Centre Dufferin High School and Centennial Hylands Elementary. Sergeant Turcotte did a tour in Afghanistan and will return in January of 2008.

Services on November 11 were packed to capacity, many of those being children. Cadets, Scouts, Sunday school children and teens, who were there to participate and bear witness so that they would "remember".

Complementing this belief that our best chance for peace lies with our children, the Legion runs a Literary and Poster contest each year under the theme of "Remembrance".

Schools in the jurisdiction of the Shelburne Legion include Centre Dufferin District High School, Centennial Hylands, Hyland Heights, Primrose and Grand Valley Public Schools, and area Home Schools.

"There was overwhelming participation from Grand Valley P.S.," Mr. Piercey reported, "making it very difficult to judge, with so many excellent posters."

Mr. Piercey also pointed out that although there is always good participation from Shelburne schools in the Legion Public Speaking contest, held in February, he would like to see more participation in the Literary and Poster Contests.

Winners from the Shelburne Branch Contest went on to the Zone Level in Orangeville and were judged on December 1st. Here are the winners who were sent from the Shelburne Legion:

Arnold Fuller, Grand Valley P.S., 2nd place in the Primary Category, Coloured Poster Contest; Stephanie Gavelle, Grand Valley P.S., 3rd place, Junior Category, Coloured Poster Contest; Dylan Taylor, Grand Valley P.S., 1st place, Junior Category, Black and White Poster Contest; Jesse Baker, Home School, 2nd place, Junior Category, Literary Contest; Coulter Baker, Home School, 1st place, Intermediate Category, Literary Contest.

All these contestants now qualify to go onto the District Level.

The contest takes place in Alliston this Sunday, December 9th, and is open to the public, at 11 a.m.

No prizes are awarded until the Provincial and Dominion Levels, where substantial cash prizes are presented.

First place winners at the Dominion Level will also have their work displayed at the War Museum in Ottawa for a full year.

The Shelburne Legion executive sends congratulations to all the winners and participants. Mr. Piercey concludes, "It is important for children to be aware of the sacrifices of our forefathers, while opening their eyes to what continues to be done today to secure freedom."